Chevy Impala Transmission Problems & Cost

First introduced in 1958, the Chevrolet Impala was the most expensive and sportiest model in the Bel Air line. By 1965, it had become the best-selling car in America, shifting over 1 million units in a single year (that was quite an accomplishment back then). Fast forward to today, Impala is still a fixture on American roads. They’re cheap to buy, cheap to maintain, they’re comfortable, and they last for ever. However, Chevy Impala transmission problems can still happen. So let’s find out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Chevy Impala Transmission Models

Chevy Impala: 4T65E Transmission (Earlier Models)
Chevy Impala: 4T65E-HD Transmission (5.3L V8)
Chevy Impala: 6T70 Transmission (Later Models)
Chevy Impala SS: 4L60E Transmission (1993-1996 LT1 V8)

Chevy Impala Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement 4T65E Transmission (Not including HD):

Replacement 6T70 Transmission:

Replacement 4L60E Transmission:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy Impala transmission problems?

Chevy Impala Transmission Recalls

None Found

Chevy Impala Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB PIP4051C – Harsh Shifting – Chevy Impala 4L60E
Problem – Unusually harsh gear changes, combined with a P0717 DTC for an input shaft speed sensor error, are often caused by damage to the ISS sensor wiring.
Solution – If wire damage is found (usually to the white wire), the wiring and sensor will have to be replaced. The pump cover should also be examined for sharp points/edges that could damage the wiring. If any are found, they should be smoothed with a file.

PIP5071 – Squawking noise on the 2-3 shift – Chevy Impala 4L60E
Problem – An unusual squawking or groaning noise may be heard on the upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear.
Solution – The 3-4 friction and steel plates, clutch plate, apply plate, and selective backing plates will have to be replaced.

TSB 01-07-30-023B – Harsh 1-2 upshift with P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission RPO M30
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift because the ECU has commanded maximum line pressure in order to compensate for excessive wear in the bore that contains the TCC isolator and regulator valves inside of the valve body.
Solution – Replace the 4L60E valve body with revised TCC regulator and isolator valves.

TSB 08-07-30-027 – No movements when transmission is shifted into Drive or third – 4L60E Transmission – 4L65E Transmission – 4L70E Transmission
1982-2005 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks: 2006-2007 Buick Rainier – 2006 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV & Escalade EXT – 2006 Chevrolet SSR – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Colorado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Express – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado Classic – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Suburban – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe – 2006-2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali XL – 2006-2008 GMC Canyon – 2006-2008 GMC Envoy – 2006-2008 GMC Savana – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra Classic – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon XL – 2006 Pontiac GTO – 2006-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2008 HUMMER H3 – 2006-2008 Saab 9-7X – with the 4L60, 4L60E, 4L65E or 4L70E Automatic Transmission (RPOs MD8, M30, M32, M33 or M70)
Problem – It is possible to experience no movement when the transmission is shifted into Drive or the 3rd gear position. It is possible to experience normal operation when the transmission shifted into second, first or reverse.
Solution – Replace the forward sprag assembly

TSB 00-07-30-022D – No reverse, second or fourth gears – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65E Transmission
1993 – 2005 GM passenger cars and light duty trucks
Problem – Drivers may experience the loss of reverse, second and fourth gears. First and third gears will seem to function normally
Solution – The reaction sun gear may fail inside of the sun shell. It will need to be replaced with a stronger heat-treated 4L60E / 4L65 sun gear.

TSB 06-07-30-023 – 4T65E transmission 1-2 Shift Shudder
Problem – Shuddering or shaking may be felt during the 1-2 shift, under light acceleration at speeds below 25 mph.
Solution – To correct this common 4T65E transmission problem, the entire second clutch assembly will need to be replaced.

TSB 08-07-30-016 – Slipping, refusal to shift, overheating – Chevy Impala 4T65E
Problem – Slipping between the gears, overheating, refusal to shift out of a gear, and/or DTC P0894 or P0218, may be because by friction material debonding from the torque convertor clutch (TCC).
Solution – If the friction material has circulated throughout the transmission, the entire transmission may need to be replaced. It is possible to remove the material from the internal components (like transmission cooler lines and the valve body), but it depends on the extent of the damage.

TSB 04-07-30-028 – Transmission fluid leak from reverse servo cover – 4T65E Transmission
Problem – Transmission fluid leaks may be observed under the vehicle, which may be caused by a 4T65E reverse servo seal that can actually shrink in the cold weather below 20°F/-6.7°C
Solution – Replace reverse servo cover seal

TSB 02-07-30-022B – Usually harsh shifts, along with multiple transmission diagnostic trouble codes – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2004 Buick Century – 2000 – 2004 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2004 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2004 Buick Regal – 2003 – 2004 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2004 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2003 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2004 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2004 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Drivers can experience unusually harsh shifts, along with the following DTC’s: P0716, P0717, P0730, P0753, P0758, P1860, P1887
Solution – Inspect, repair and/or replace the transaxle 20-way connector to the transmission wiring harness

TSB 00-06-04-037A – Harsh shifting with DTC’s P0716 and/or P0717 – 4T40E Transmission | 4T45E Transmission | 4T65E Transmission
2000 – 2002 Buick Century – 2000 – 2002 Buick LeSabre – 2000 – 2002 Buick Park Avenue – 2000 – 2002 Buick Regal – 2002 Buick Rendezvous – 2000 – 2001 Chevrolet Lumina – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Impala – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Malibu – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo – 2000 – 2002 Chevrolet Venture – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Alero – 2000 – 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Bonneville – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Am – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Montana – 2000 – 2002 Pontiac Sunfire – 2001 – 2002 Pontiac Aztec
Problem – Some drivers may experience unusually harsh gear changes, accompanied by a P0716 and/or P0717 DTC
Solution – This problem can be caused by an intermittent connection of the input speed sensor circuit at the transaxle 20-way connector

Common Problems with the Chevy Impala Transmission

Intermittent harsh shifting – Chevy Impala 4L60E
Problem – A common Chevrolet Impala transmission problem is an intermittent hard 1-2 shift, often accompanied by engine bogging. This condition can be caused by the torque convertor clutch applying during the shift.
Solution – To remedy the problem, the wiring harness needs to be inspected from the transmission case connector to the rear of the engine on the driver side. It’s possible that the wires for the TCC solenoid and pressure control solenoid have become frayed on a body seam. If this is the case, the wiring will need to be repaired, and the harness repositioned.

Input/Output Speed Sensor Issues – Chevy Impala 6T70E
Problem – When repairing a failed input speed sensor or output speed sensor, steering system damage could occur.
Solution – To avoid damage to the clock springs, the splined steering knuckle must be prevented from falling out of the steering rack when dropping the subframe to access the valve body.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a Chevy Impala transmission problem?

Not all transmission problems are going to keep you from driving your car. However, many of the small Chevy Impala transmission problems can quickly escalate into much more expensive issues if you keep putting under strain. So do yourself a favor and have a mechanic inspect the car immediately.

How often does a Chevy Impala transmission need to be replaced?

Regular maintenance and respectful driving can help your Impala transmission last for a good long time. However, OE design flaws can potentially shorten the service life, no matter how careful you are. On average, we’ve seen the Chevrolet Impala transmission last between 120,000-180,000 miles. But a good quality remanufactured transmission can last considerably longer.

How are Chevy Impala transmission issues diagnosed?

In order to determine the source of your Chevy Impala transmission problems, a mechanic will connect a code scanner to the OBDII port under the dash. After downloading the diagnostic trouble codes, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the source of the problem.

How is a Chevy Impala transmission replaced?

In order to replace a Chevy Impala transmission, the old one will have to be unbolted from the engine, driveshafts and mounts. The motor may have to be partially removed from the car during this process. Installation is a reverse of the removal procedure, in the ECU/TCM will have be reprogrammed in order to accept the new transmission.

Recommendations for Chevy Impala transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chevy Impala transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Impala Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Impala Transmission

One of the cheapest ways to fix most Chevrolet Impala transmission problems, is to simply go buy a used 4T65E / used 6T70E / used 4L60E transmission from the local junkyard. But the problem is, you don’t really know how well it was taken care of. So you could eventually have the same problems, or worse.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Impala Transmission

The next thing you could do is, get a rebuilt 4T65E / rebuilt 6T70E / rebuilt 4L60E transmission from your mechanic or local transmission shop. These are fairly affordable, and come with a short warranty. However, most mechanics won’t correct for the factory design flaws. And that warranty might only be good at the shop that built it (which would do you absolutely no good if you travel).

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Impala Transmission

For a more permanent solution to all your Impala transmission problems, you should consider investing in a remanufactured 4T65E / remanufactured 6T70E / remanufactured 4L60E transmission. These are built in a factory and must undergo multiple quality inspections before they can be shipped. The more premium companies will even dyno test their remanufactured transmissions to make sure that they perform and function properly. Plus you can even find some with a nationwide warranty.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Chevy Impala Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!